After a torrid year for Huddersfield Giants, their season finally came to a close last night, and it ended in defeat to Leigh Leopards.
Debutant Lewis Jagger’s high-flying effort was perhaps the pick of the tries at the Leigh Sports Village, as the Claret and Gold were defeated 30-16.
Tom Burgess and the departing Jake Bibby also crossed, however the third placed Leopards proved too strong for the West Yorkshire side, as they sealed a home elimination final against Wakefield Trinity.
Speaking to the media after the game, head coach Luke Robinson was proud of his sides’ effort, and believes they were in the contest more than the final score suggests.
He said: “They’re a really good team who I think are going to cause some other teams difficulties in the playoffs. Let’s be honest, [Lachlan] Lam’s probably the best half in the country, or in Super League at the minute, the amount of assists he’s got. I think they’ve got threats all over the field, they’re a really good side, a really well-coached side.
“Lammy [Adrian Lam]’s obviously an exceptional coach, so to come here, I thought we put a pretty valiant effort up. I thought we were pretty good in a lot of areas, particularly in that second half. Early doors, I thought if a couple of decisions went a different way or we’d have made different decisions then we could have made a little bit more of a contest at the end.
“I don’t think the score line reflects the game but, that’s the way it went.”
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Whilst his side won’t be taking part in the playoff competition, something they have only achieved once in the last 10 years, Robinson gave his thoughts on who he believes the strongest side in the competition are, but insisted that the Leopards shouldn’t be taken for granted and provide real threat.
He said: “I said about three or four weeks ago, and I still think that Wigan are probably the favourites. I think if Bevan French and Jai Field play well, I think they play well. They’re a champion side are Wigan, they’ve been there and done it, but there is teams in there that can cause problems and make it difficult for them and I think Leigh are one of them.
“When Lammy [Lachlan] plays for them, obviously we were a bit fortunate tonight that [Edwin] Ipape wasn’t playing for them as well, but when them two are firing for Leigh, I think they’ve got a chance.
As always when campaigns come to an end, the focus shifts almost immediately to the season coming. Robinson was asked about the plans in place in terms of recruitment for 2026, and the former halfback is hopeful of some signing confirmations sooner rather than later.
He said: “There’s lots of different areas I’ve identified and people working behind the scenes at Huddersfield regarding recruitment. I have a wish list, I’ll put the wish list in. Hopefully that comes to fruition. We are always on the lookout for players and always trying to figure stuff out and hopefully there’ll be some announcements in the next few weeks.
“When you’re in a salary cap sport, it’s more about what you can do as opposed to what you want to do. Look, I’ve said all along if we get our players fit and firing then we’ll be a way more competitive side next year. And if we can add a few more players into the mix, into the squad that we’ve got, and keep them fit, then I think we’ll be in a lot better position next year.
